Corsair Signs Up for Skywise
French airline Corsair has signed a contract with Airbus to equip its fleet with the FOMAX data collection tool, which will enable it to use the Skywise predictive maintenance system. It says the tools will help it improve operational resilience of its fleet through predictive maintenance, increased flight safety and optimized aircraft performance.

AkzoNobel Gets Boeing Approval for Color Blending in China
AkzoNobel has been certified by Boeing to color blend its Aerodur 3001 basecoat at its aerospace coatings facility in Dongguan, China. The facility was opened in 2017 to serve the North and South Asian market.

Salus Aviation Adopts Ramco MRO Software
New Zealand-based services provider Salus Aviation has selected Ramco Aviation’s M&E MRO Suite V5.8 to improve operational efficiencies. According to Salus Aviation, the software will help it achieve digital transformation, solve pain points and improve efficiency.

Donaldson Expands Air Purification System Approvals
Donaldson Aerospace & Defense has received product manufacturing approval for its Airbus A330/A340 Air Purification System (APS), which pairs HEPA filtration with advanced air purification in a single system. It says the APS is interchangeable with the HEPA filter with minimal weight increase and similar change intervals compared to a standard particulate filter. It expects approval for the Boeing 777 later this year.

Interflight Aircraft Maintenance Reports Business Boom in First Half of 2020
Business aviation MRO provider Interflight Aircraft Maintenance says its business doubled in the first half of 2020 thanks to a steady flow of work from customers bringing aircraft in to be serviced while they were unable to fly. It says it was able to keep its Biggin Hill Airport hangar open throughout the COVID-19 lockdown due to social distancing and rotating shift patterns.

WheelTug E-Taxi System Undergoing Flight Tests
WheelTug’s electric taxi system is undergoing flight tests in partnership with Stirling Dynamics to gather data for the validation of certification models for the modified nose landing gear with the system installed. It consists of a nose wheel mounted motor and drive powered by the aircraft’s APU to enable aircraft pushback and maneuvering without aircraft engines or external tugs. It aims to save time, engine life and fuel use while reducing emissions and costs for aircraft operators. According to WheelTug, more than 25 airlines representing more than 2,000 aircraft have signed letters of intent for the system.

SR Technics Software Subsidiary Undergoes Management Buyout
As part of restructuring measures, SR Technics has announced the management buyout of its subsidiary Armac Systems, which it acquired in 2014. The inventory optimization software and consulting services specialist will be launched as a separate entity, offering its proprietary RIOsys software which was developed and refined in close collaboration with SR Technics’ Component Services division.

Bell Adds First Authorized Maintenance Center in Europe
Bell Textron has added its first Authorized Maintenance Center (AMC) in Europe, which will provide maintenance for Bell 505 and 407 helicopters. The AMC, located in Konstancin-Jeziorna, Poland, will be operated by Part 145 provider Aero Club.

Portugália Expands E195 Fleet
Portugália has increased its regional jet fleet with the acquisition of two additional Embraer 195s. The aircraft, acquired through specialist regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord, will join four existing E195s and nine E190s, with Portugália operating on behalf of the country’s flag-carrier TAP Air Portugal as TAP Express.

Soundproofing Bombardier Globals
Skandia received an FAA supplemental type certificate for its acoustic soundproofing kit for Bombardier Global 5000 and 6000 business jets.